spice

Definition

Aromatic or pungent plant matter (usually dried) used to season or flavor food.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *speḱ- Proto-Indo-European *-yeti Proto-Indo-European *spéḱyeti Proto-Italic *spekjō Late Latin speciō Proto-Italic *-jēs Late Latin -iēs Late Latin speciēs Old French espicebor. Anglo-Norman specebor. Middle English spice English spice Inherited from Middle English spice, from Old French espice (modern épice), from Late Latin speciēs (“spice, good, ware”), from Latin speciēs (“kind, sort”). Doublet of species.

Example Sentences

• "Vanilla itself was transplanted from Madagascar, the main source of the spice, to Polynesia a century ago."
• "What spice level do you want for your pad thai? I recommend mild."
• "variety is the spice of life"